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Memories & Candles

“Joyce was so dear to me I did her hair for many many years she never missed,She was very spirted and so couregeous just have many good thoughts glad...Read More »
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1 of 7 | Posted by: vickie lerma - phx, AZ

“To Joyce's Family,My heart goes out to you during your time of grief. Joyce isn't in pain anymore. She's smiling down from heaven on all who had the...Read More »
”
2 of 7 | Posted by: Eileen Foley - Scottsdale,, AZ

“I knew I was in the presence of an angel on earth the first time I met Miss Joyce back in 2003; and I was blessed to have her in my life on a daily...Read More »
”
3 of 7 | Posted by: Karen Randleman - Peoria, AZ

“When we count our blessings we thank God for having Joyce in our lives.
Surely her lot in life was to spread love and help to all the lives she...Read More »
”
4 of 7 | Posted by: Dan,Fran and Danny Barker - AZ

“I have been bless by knowning Joyce. for several years. She was a great lady someone who could always make you smile.My last visit with Joyce was in...Read More »
”
5 of 7 | Posted by: Linda Elayer - Sun City, AZ

6 of 7 | Posted by: Wendy Wilcox Bessette - Addson, TX

“Joyce, had a Stiff Upper Lip in the British tradition; in almost 30 years, I never once heard Joyce bemoan her lot in life. Her body failed her at an...Read More »
”
7 of 7 | Posted by: Chester Oakes - Phoenix, AZ

RIDGE, JOYCE, of Phoenix, died Jan. 5, 2013 in Sun City. A native of Cullompton,, Devon, England, Joyce lived a full life dedicated to helping others, starting at London's National Children's Homes from1953-1962. After two years as a governess in New York, Joyce moved to Phoenix in 1964 where she became known as a tirelese advocate for children and adults with disabilities. From 1964 to 1977, Joyce worked at Upward Foundation, serving as executive director, 1975-77. From 1981-84, Joyce was program and community relations director for Bethany Ranch Home. In '84, Joyce became executive director of Lura Turner Homes for Developmentally Disabled Adults, retiring in 2003. In 1999, she created a famed High Tea, which to date has raised over $400,000 for Lura Turner Homes.

Joyce's education reflected her passion for learning and service. In 1956, she earned the British Home Office Certificate in Residential Childcare. By 1974, she received an MA in Special Education at Arizona State University, where she taught the televised class, "Early Childhood Development," 1979-81.

Arizona's Planning Council for Developmental Disabilities, Phoenix's ARC, the Governor's Task Force for Rehabilitation Services, Handicapped Village, Madison Baptist Preschool and local and regional Civitan organizations are just a few of the social service agencies and causes benefiting from Joyce's 45 years of
dedicated volunteerism.

Under Joyce's inspired leadership, the first Civitan club in the world run by developmentally disabled adults was founded in 1979. Named the Phoenix Bird Civitan Club, it continues to enrich the lives of Phoenix men and women with special needs. In 2009, the Phoenix assisted living facility created by Joyce in 1989 was renamed in her honor to the JoyceRidge Civitan House. In 2010, Joyce's life-time leadership in Civitan was recognized when she was named at "Civitan Fellow" by Civitans' International Research Center in Alabama.

Joyce accomplished all the above – and much, much more – while living with the crippling effects of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Her British-bred "carry on" attitude was an inspiration to all who knew her.

Joyce was predeceased by parents Cecil and Beatrice and brother Ronald. She's survived by brothers Stanley (Joyce), Gilbert (Muriel) and their extended families in England. In the States, Joyce is survived by sister-in-law Nola, niece Barbara, nephew Mike (Jaymie) and children Matthew, Sarah and Travis; niece and nephew Krista and David and children Abigail, Adam, Christopher, David, Michael and Randi. Great-great niece Kyra and goddaughter Christine Brooks also survive "Auntie Joyce."

A memorial service will be held for Joyce, 11 a.m., Sat. Jan. 12 at Madison Baptist Church, 6202 N. 12th Street, Phoenix. Visitation is 1 to 2:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 10 at Sunwest Funeral Home, 12525 NW Grand Avenue, El Mirage. The family asks the memorial gifts be sent in Joyce's memory to Lura Turner Homes, Att: Max McQueen, 1432 N. 27th Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona, 85009. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.heritagefuneralchapels.com

If you would like to add additional photos, videos or other content to this obituary, it will need to be upgraded to an Eternal Tribute with the funeral home's assistance. Please click the link below for the funeral home's contact information.

Memories & Candles

Joyce was so dear to me I did her hair for many many years she never missed,She was very spirted and so couregeous just have many good thoughts glad she,s in peace with her heavenly Father. So sorry for your loss.

To Joyce's Family,My heart goes out to you during your time of grief. Joyce isn't in pain anymore. She's smiling down from heaven on all who had the good fortune to know her. She was passionate about her work with mentally challenged.She was a great neighbor and HOA board member. I have fond memories of the cruise to Alaska we went on and other outings we did together .

Posted by: Eileen Foley - Scottsdale,, AZ Jan 11, 2013

I knew I was in the presence of an angel on earth the first time I met Miss Joyce back in 2003; and I was blessed to have her in my life on a daily basis until she moved from Amethyst Arbor in 2011. I am so glad we got to share
a final visit on December 10. I know without a doubt she is dancing in heaven and probably planning a heavenly High Tea!
Take comfort family, for "on the wings of the spirit, those we love rise to new
life in heaven above".
Blessed be Miss Joyce's wonderful memory.

Posted by: Karen Randleman - Peoria, AZ Jan 10, 2013

When we count our blessings we thank God for having Joyce in our lives.
Surely her lot in life was to spread love and help to all the lives she touched. And she did that to perfection.
We will miss her very much.

I have been bless by knowning Joyce. for several years. She was a great lady someone who could always make you smile.My last visit with Joyce was in Dec. I picked her up & we went to the Ladies Luncheon at grace Bible Church together. Oh how she love going to them. I am so thanksful I got to spend some time with her. I will miss seeing you in church on Sunday Joyce but I know you are

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I have been bless by knowning Joyce. for several years. She was a great lady someone who could always make you smile.My last visit with Joyce was in Dec. I picked her up & we went to the Ladies Luncheon at grace Bible Church together. Oh how she love going to them. I am so thanksful I got to spend some time with her. I will miss seeing you in church on Sunday Joyce but I know you are in a better place getting your wishes to be a Ballernia & Ice skate. God Bless You Joyce & we will meet again!!

Posted by: Linda Elayer - Sun City, AZ - Friend Jan 10, 2013

Posted by: Wendy Wilcox Bessette - Addson, TX Jan 10, 2013

Joyce, had a Stiff Upper Lip in the British tradition; in almost 30 years, I never once heard Joyce bemoan her lot in life. Her body failed her at an early age but her mind was always looking for ways to help her Special Needs friends.
Joyce grew up in Southern England on a farm and related tales of not being allowed outside because of the War. The German pilots would empty their guns on their way back to Germany

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Joyce, had a Stiff Upper Lip in the British tradition; in almost 30 years, I never once heard Joyce bemoan her lot in life. Her body failed her at an early age but her mind was always looking for ways to help her Special Needs friends.
Joyce grew up in Southern England on a farm and related tales of not being allowed outside because of the War. The German pilots would empty their guns on their way back to Germany and it was not safe to be out doors. As an adult, Joyce would not eat Green Beans because of the amount of Green Beans she consumed during World War Two on the farm.
Joyce, we love you and will miss our special friendship. We know you are now free to run those rolling hills.
Chester and MaryGrace,